)
)
)
Mohamed Hamel Joins AEW 2026 as African Gas Expansion Enters Strategic Phase
Mohamed Hamel, former Secretary General of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF), will speak at this year’s African Energy Week (AEW) Conference and Exhibition - taking place October 12-16 in Cape Town. Hamel joins the event at a time when global gas markets are undergoing structural realignment following prolonged geopolitical instability, tightening LNG supply dynamics and rising industrial demand tied to power generation, manufacturing and AI-driven digital infrastructure.
Within this evolving context, Hamel is expected to contribute to discussions on Africa’s emerging role in global supply chains as the continent is increasingly positioned as one of the few regions capable of bringing significant new volumes online over the coming decade. Hamel brings unique insights to the conference having served as the fourth Secretary General of the GECF as well as positions at Algeria’s Ministry of Energy and Mines and the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries.
“Mohamed Hamel has long been one of the strongest voices advocating for natural gas as a strategic driver of economic growth and energy security - and his participation at AEW 2026 could not come at a more critical time. Africa is entering a new gas era where LNG infrastructure, regional integration and export growth are becoming central to both global supply security and Africa’s industrial future,” states NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.
The global gas market has entered a period of uncertainty as the ongoing Gulf crisis places renewed focus on the vulnerability of global energy trade routes. Approximately 20% of global LNG and gas trade passes through the Strait of Hormuz, making disruptions in the Gulf a major concern for import-dependent economies in Europe and Asia. As supply security becomes a growing priority for governments and industrial consumers, African producers are attracting increased attention as alternative suppliers capable of diversifying global LNG flows.
Recent years have seen the continent significantly expand its natural gas market, under efforts to not only bolster LNG exports but strengthen domestic distribution and energy security. As the continent’s biggest gas market, North Africa - led by Libya, Algeria and Egypt - continues to reinforce its position as a leading European supplier. On the back of a historic licensing round launched in 2025, Libya is boosting capacity while reengaging with global operators. Recent milestones include new trillion-cubic-feet discoveries made by Eni and advancements at Structure A&E and the Bouri Gas Utilization Project.
Algeria plans to raise gas production to 200 billion cubic meters annually by 2030, with a recently launched 2026 Bid Round set to attract fresh investment in exploration and development. The country has committed $60 billion to expand upstream oil and gas, reflecting a broader drive to strengthen exports and reinforce its position in global supply chains. Egypt is taking a similar approach, reengaging global operators to accelerate exploration. The country recently signed an agreement with TotalEnergies to assess exploration opportunities, having already forged deals with Eni and Rashpetco to double production.
New gas hubs are also emerging across the continent. Equatorial Guinea is consolidating its Gas Mega Hub having reached FID for the Aseng field and signing an agreement with Cameroon for the joint development of the Yoyo-Yolanda fields. The Republic of Congo launched phase two of the Congo LNG project in 2025, with first export starting in February 2026. Mozambique is advancing three major LNG projects - Rovuma LNG, Mozambique LNG and Coral Norte - following the lifting of force majeure at the project sites last year. These developments signal a broader shift toward large-scale gas developments, strengthening the continent’s ability to become a key global supplier.
As Africa expands LNG infrastructure, scales production and strengthens regional energy corridors, natural gas is expected to dominate strategic discussions at AEW 2026. Representing the continent’s largest energy platform, the conference will connect policymakers, operators, financiers and infrastructure developers to advance investment, partnerships and long-term energy security across African gas markets.